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Home > Online Library > Scouting Guides & Information > First Aid in Scouting > Essential First Aid Part I


Essential First Aid

DRABC!
DRABC is the prime consideration for everyone involved in the care and treatment of casualties. Experienced first aid providers, ambulance crews, nurses and medical specialists, are all-aware of the importance of Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation.

DANGER

to yourself: don't put yourself in danger!
to others: don't allow bystanders to be exposed to danger!
to the casualty: remove the danger from the casualty, or the casualty from the danger!

 

 

RESPONSE

gently 'shake and shout' at the casualty.  Do not shake young children or infants.
is the casualty alert?
is the casualty drowsy or confused?
is the casualty unconscious, but reacting?
is the casualty unconscious with no reaction?
if unconscious, place the casualty in the stable side position

AIRWAY

is the airway open and clear?
is there noisy breathing?
are there potential obstructions such as blood?
if so, open and clear the airway!

BREATHING

look to see if the chest rises!
listen for the sound of breathing!
feel, by putting your hand on the lower part of the chest
if not breathing give 2 effective breaths and commence EAR

CIRCULATION

is there a carotid pulse?
is it strong?
is it regular?
is there major blood loss?
if no pulse present start CPR

 

If the casualty is conscious, then treat the injuries or illness according to the signs and symptoms.

Remain with the casualty and call for assistance.

If the casualty is unconscious, and breathing spontaneously, leave him or her in the stable side position, then treat any injuries.

If the casualty is unconscious, and not breathing, then place him or her on their back and commence resuscitation, either EAR or CPR as required.

The Unconscious Casualty
Any unconscious casualty who remains on his or her back is at risk of an obstructed airway through either inhaling vomitus (aspiration), or by having the upper airway blocked by a relaxed tongue.
The most effective way of eliminating this danger is to put the casualty in a position that will ensure that the airway remains open by draining away any vomitus, or by allowing the relaxed tongue to move away from the opening of the airway.  This position is called the stable side position or the RECOVERY POSITION.
Airway Open Airway Closed Airway Obstructed

STABLE SIDE ('LATERAL') POSITION

The most effective first aid method of protecting an unconscious casualty's airway is to put the casualty into what is called the 'STABLE SIDE, COMA, OR 'LATERAL', POSITION. This is a position of comfort in which the casualty is effectively put on their side, with the head down and tilted in such a way as to cause any vomitus to be expelled onto the ground, and the tongue to gravitate away from the airway opening.

PREPARE THE CASUALTY by re-assessing respirations, checking the pockets for bulky items, and removing necklaces and spectacles, then...
KNEEL close to the casualty and put the arm furthest from you straight out at 90 degrees
PLACE closest arm bent over the chest
ELEVATE and bend the closest leg at the knee
SUPPORT the casualty's head and neck with your hand, preventing forward movement of the head
PUSH gently and firmly on the bent knee with your other hand - the casualty will roll away from you into the side position
POSITION the casualty's bent leg to avoid further movement
POSITION the casualty's bent arm for comfort
ADJUST the casualty's head slightly to maintain an open airway
CONTINUE to observe for changes in patient's condition.
Generally it really does not matter on which side the casualty is placed — except for women in advanced pregnancy. These casualties are to be placed on their LEFT side, unless prevented by injuries, to avoid unnecessary distress to the foetus.

REMEMBER...

ALL unconscious casualties are to be placed in the stable side position immediately, including those suspected of spinal injury. The movement of this type of casualty is to be done with extreme care, with full support of head and neck during movement. Always try to obtain assistance, as more than one person is required to effectively move a spinal casualty, and all movement is to be done with the head and spine aligned, by "Log Rolling' the casualty using all available assistance.